Can you see Him, now? The works of the Father and the Son take place all around us through the work of the Holy Spirit. But, we tend to miss most of it - at least I do. Or maybe I take too much for granted and fail to see the miraculous connection between what happens in the midst of my daily life and the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. It takes effort to stay attentive to any one thing in a world that calls for our attention at an almost constant rate.

Even the disciples, after verifying the women's claims that Christ had been raised from the dead, did not recognize Jesus as they conversed with Him on the road to Emmaus. It wasn't until Jesus sat at the table with them, took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them that their eyes were opened to see that the man doing all these things was, indeed, Jesus Himself?

Here's a challenge for each of us: during the course of this next week, let's keep our eyes wide open, seeking 3 moments when we feel closest to Christ. Designate a partner and compare your results at the end of the week. My guess is that if we do look for Jesus' redeeming work, we will not find only 3 moments like that - we'll find many more, starting with the breaking and blessing of the Bread, the Body of Christ given for you - and given for me.

Blessings+

Fr Brad

Sunday Service Times

8:30am and 10:30am: Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:30am: Children's Chapel (Sunday School for ages K-5th Grade)

Childcare is available from 9:30am until 11:30am

See our
Christian Formation page for more information on programs for infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults.

You are invited to submit your prayer requests here. Submission of your prayer request will be received by a member of our office staff and in the included in the parish prayer list. If received
after 5:00pm on Wednesdays, or you indicate that you would prefer to keep your prayer confidential, a member of our clergy will address your prayer privately.

On the second Sunday of every month we gather to prepare 200 sack meals for Feed My Sheep in the parish hall at 9:30am. There are three activities to this ministry where helping hands are needed.

The first is picking up the food from Sam's. I have simplified this process. The food is ordered and prepaid. All you have to do is pick it up and deliver to the church. I coordinate with you as to the best day and time you would like to do this. There is no longer any heavy lifting and transporting of water bottles. Much easier on the back!

The second is the actual preparation of the sandwiches and sacks. You would think that making 200 sandwiches and sack meals would take a while. We have down to a science and our assembly line, filled with conversation and laughter, gets it done in around 30 minutes! For those who need to sit, packages and ziploc bags need to be opened.

The third and final activity is the delivering of the sack meals to Feed My Sheep. This is strictly a drop off. You can stay if you wish. The boxes of sack meals can be delivered between our two services or after the 10:30am service. They do need to be there by 12noon.

Our next sack meal preparation is May 14th. I invite your participation and helping hands are needed to pick up the food from Sam's. Please see me if you can help or need more information about this important ministry of our church.

Grace and Peace,

Deacon Tamara

Consider Lay Reading...

Serving as a Lay Reader is an important church ministry. At each service, we read scripture and usually assist clergy with Holy Communion. It's a wonderful way to serve the Lord & our Church.

We are looking for readers at the 10:30 service. Most lay readers serve once a month. It is perfectly fine if you wish to just read and not serve at Holy Communion.

Please contact clergy if you are interested or speak to/email John Dieter. John's email is jnidieter@gmail.com

What's Going on at

St. Francis this Week?

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

8:30am: Holy Communion Rite II

9:30am-11:30am:Childcare is available

10:30am:Holy Eucharist Rite II

11:30am: Hospitality

TUESDAY, MAY 2

1:00pm-4:00pm Tuesday Solace (See description below)

WEDNESDAY,
MAY 3

Weekend Nutritional Backpack Ministry:9:30am at CTLC - 702 West Avenue G, Temple TX (See description below)The starting time has been changed to 9:30am to cut down the congestion from competing "stuffers."

Read the Bible (12 pages a day): 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. Registration is closed.

THURSDAY, MAY 4

Garden Work Day: Join us for garden workday every Thursday at 8:00am.

Upcoming Events

WORSHIP AND CONCERT SERVICE

Sunday, May 7

10:00am

On Sunday, May 7 a very special service will take place at St. Francis. The southern gospel musical group Amazed will be at St. Francis. The members of the group feel called to minister to God's people and spread God's Holy Word through the power of song. Their mission is to see souls brought to Christ; they are deeply humbled and honored to be called to serve Almighty God.

A unique service of Holy Eucharist will be intertwined with the concert, designed to be a first of its kind at St. Francis.

Because it takes the musical group 2+ hours to set up, there will be no 8:30 service on that Sunday, providing an opportunity for the entire congregation to worship together. But, this special event is not just for us - invite your friends; check the St. Francis Facebook page for the announcement, and click "Like," and make plans for you and your family to attend what promises to be a wonderful experience.

Blessings+

Fr. Brad

Ongoing Ministries

TUESDAY SOLACE: Tuesday Solace is a free service supporting families affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia and takes place from 1:00-4:00pm at the Parish Hall. Allowing caregivers respite time, the program provides music and singing, fun, social activities, and loving care to the participants.

WEEKEND NUTRITIONAL BACKPACK MINISTRY: Each Wednesday morning at 9:30am volunteers gather at CTLC (Churches Touching Lives for Christ) to fill 400 backpacks for the WNB Ministry. CTLC is located at 702 West Avenue G, Temple TX.The starting time has been changed to 9:30am to cut down the congestion from competing "stuffers."

FEED MY SHEEP SACK MEALS (FMS):On the 2nd Sunday of each month, all are invited to gather in the Parish at 9:30 to prepare 200 sack lunches for our neighbors who have limited access to food. The lunches are delivered to Feed My Sheep. Our next scheduled sack meal preparation is Sunday, May 14. To learn how to get involved, please see Deacon Tamara.

CHURCHES TOUCHING LIVES FOR CHRIST (CTLC):The collection item for May 2017 is Powdered Drink Mix (Kool-Aid, Crystal Light etc.). Items may be brought to the narthex on Sunday or to the Church Office during weekdays.

ST. FRANCIS GIFT SHOP:As most of you know, the gift shop must have two workers at all times. We are in desperate need of volunteers. This is a great time to ask your best friend to sit with you and a great time to socialize and catch up. Please consider, just 3 1/2 hours a month and we will put you on the schedule.

Ministers in the Lord's Service

Altar Guild: Sharon Hughes & Tammy Schaefer

Ushers: Bill Frick & Frank Pugliese

Acolyte(s):

Cole & Garrett Mooney

Vestry Greeter: Barbara Walsh

Lay Readers8:30: Peggiann Jones

10:30am: John Dieter & Kay Callin

Organist:Debra Johnson

Children's Chapel: Gail & Andre Avots

Hospitality: Judy & Mike Ludlow

This Month's Birthdays & Anniversaries

If your birthday or anniversary is missing or incorrect, please contact Frances!